"Stolen Moments" by Oliver Nelson

Jazz is all about the contrast between the individual and the collective, and few recordings embody that as beautifully as "Stolen Moments," the opening track from Oliver Nelson's 1961 hard-bop record The Blues and the Abstract Truth.

On this episode, Kirk dives deep into Nelson's classic tune, starting with his dense horn arrangement, then considering the three improvised horn solos as distinct creations that reflect the at-times wildly different ambitions of each individual player. Also, there's jazz flute.

Written by: Oliver Nelson

Performed by: Freddie Hubbard (tpt.), Eric Dolphy (alto/flute), Oliver Nelson (tenor), George Barrow (bari), Bill Evans (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Roy Haynes (drums).

Album: The Blues and the Abstract Truth (1961)

Listen/Buy via Album.Link

ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:

“Moanin” by Bobby Timmons, played by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers on Moanin', 1959 (rec. 1958)
“So What” by Miles Davis from Kind of Blue, 1959
“Hoe Down” and “Butch and Butch” by Oliver Nelson from The Blues and the Abstract Truth, 1961
“Hyperballad” by Björk from Post, 1995
“Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard, 1955
“Kiss” by Prince from Parade, 1986
“Give Me One Reason” by Tracy Chapman from New Beginning, 1995
“Blue 7” by Sonny Rollins from Saxophone Colossus, 1956
“Giant Steps” by John Coltrane from Giant Steps, 1960

OUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk Hamilton

Kirk is the host of Strong Songs. He lives in Portland, Oregon, where he likes to play the drums. He thinks he's getting good but he can handle criticism.

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